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Chief Development Officer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer and working in close partnership with the CEO, Board of Directors, and program leadership, the Director of Development is responsible for executing Noble ...

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer and working in close partnership with the CEO, Board of Directors, and program leadership, the Director of Development is responsible for executing Noble ...

Chief Operating Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$165 - $175/hr

Lead staff culture, professional development, and organizational health initiatives. * Partner with the CEO on board preparation, strategic planning, executive-level initiatives and special projects.

... and CFO's. * Markets and sells a specialized financial product (domestic and export credit ... Professional Development: Sales Training programs, mentorship opportunities * Company Culture:

Major Gifts Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115 - $120/hr

Work with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) to identify and steward prospects for planned giving and endowment opportunities. * In partnership with the CDO and local partner fundraising and ...

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Chief Development Officer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$57.7K

$140.7K

$220.2K

How much do chief development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief development officer in Chicago, IL is $140,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,400.00 and $166,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Chief Development Officer?

A chief development officer (CDO) is an executive-level employee at a business or non-profit. As a CDO, your job duties include overseeing the financial stability, fundraising, or growth of the organization. You maintain close communication with internal executive officers, such as the CEO and CFO, advising them on strategies to improve donor relations or increase revenue while providing input for yearly budgets and other financial issues. Qualifications for this career include experience working in a senior business development position, such as a Director of In-House Consulting or Corporate Strategy. You should also have experience in improving business revenue and productivity. To succeed in this role, you must have a strong desire to do research, analyze data, and be able to work well alone and with others. A CDO typically has a bachelor’s degree and an MBA as well as strong leadership and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Development Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Development Officer, you need expertise in fundraising strategies, donor relations, and nonprofit management, often supported by a degree in business, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems (like Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge), analytics tools, and relevant certifications such as CFRE are typically essential. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and persuasive communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for securing resources, building strong partnerships, and advancing the organization’s mission.

What are some typical challenges faced by chief development officers when leading fundraising initiatives?

Chief Development Officers (CDOs) often encounter challenges such as balancing short-term fundraising goals with long-term strategic growth, engaging diverse donor bases, and ensuring coordination between development, marketing, and program teams. They must also adapt to evolving donor expectations and leverage data-driven strategies to maximize fundraising efforts. Collaborative leadership, strong communication, and adaptability are vital for overcoming these hurdles and driving sustained organizational growth.

What is the difference between Chief Development Officer vs Chief Fundraising Officer?

AspectChief Development OfficerChief Fundraising Officer
Primary FocusOverall organizational growth, including development strategies, partnerships, and program expansionFundraising activities, donor relations, and revenue generation
Required CredentialsTypically advanced degrees in business, nonprofit management, or related fields; experience in development rolesSimilar credentials, often with emphasis on fundraising certifications or experience in donor engagement
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership in nonprofit or corporate settings, overseeing development teamsFundraising departments, donor relations teams, often within nonprofit organizations
Industry UsageCommonly used in nonprofits, educational institutions, and large corporationsPrimarily used in nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations

The Chief Development Officer focuses on broad organizational growth and development strategies, while the Chief Fundraising Officer specializes in fundraising efforts and donor relations. Both roles require similar credentials and often work closely, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What does a chief development officer make?

A Chief Development Officer (CDO) typically earns a salary ranging from $100,000 to over $250,000 annually, depending on the organization size and industry. Compensation often includes bonuses, incentives, and benefits, reflecting the executive level and responsibility for fundraising, strategic growth, and development initiatives.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Development Officer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Chief Development Officer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Chief Development Officer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Chief Development Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Development Officer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,657 per year, or $67.1 per hour.

Project Manager, Strategic Development Planning

The University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$89.25 - $105/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

## Project Manager, Strategic Development PlanningApplyremote type: Hybridlocations: Chicago, ILtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 9 Days Agojob requisition id: JR33638**Department**ADV Development**About the Department**The Advancement Office engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents, and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. Advancement raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute. Advancement’s Development team provides strategic leadership for fundraising and engagement efforts across the University of Chicago, aligning institutional priorities with philanthropic opportunities. The Office oversees a broad portfolio of development programs and works in close partnership with University leadership, including the President, Provost, Deans, and other academic leaders to advance major and principal gift strategy, donor engagement, and campaign execution. The team collaborates across University Advancement to strengthen a culture of philanthropy, enhance coordination among units, and deepen relationships with the University’s alumni and friends. Through a strategic approach, Advancement’s Development team supports long-term institutional goals while enabling impactful, mission-driven giving.**Job Summary**The Project Manager, Strategic Development Planning, supports the Senior Associate Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer (CDO) by providing strategic planning, project management, and analytical support for Development priorities, with a particular focus on supporting the prioritization and execution of the CDO’s highest impact priorities. This position uses best practices and knowledge of non-technical (not information technology or construction related) projects from conception to completion. Assembles teams and develops detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports while being the point of contact for those projects. As the Advancement division enters a period of increased complexity and scale associated with a comprehensive campaign, this role is designed to provide dedicated capacity for development-related planning, coordination, and execution across development teams. The role works closely with the CDO and Advancement teams to translate strategic direction into actionable plans, track progress across initiatives, and support disciplined execution of top priorities. The role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate with credibility across multiple stakeholders across Advancement and the broader University.**Responsibilities*** Partners with the Senior Associate Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer (CDO), to support planning, priorities, and decision-making.* Develops and maintains integrated project plans, charters, and status reports to promote transparency and shared accountability.* Translates strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, structured workplans, timelines, and measurable milestones across development teams.* Tracks progress against established goals, proactively identifying risks, gaps, and interdependencies requiring alignment or escalation.* Coordinates cross-functional workstreams, stakeholders, and deliverables to support timely execution of major initiatives.* Supports development-related planning, coordination, and execution, including roadmap development and milestone tracking.* Provides organizational structure, analytical support, and meeting facilitation to sustain momentum and clarity during a period of increased development complexity and scale.* Supports the CDO in moves management, including creating briefing developments, synthesizing input from stakeholders, and tracking CDO activity to inform priorities, such as trip planning and identifying key donor meetings and engagements.* Develops concise strategic briefings, synthesis materials, and presentations to support informed decision-making, working with appropriate Advancement teams to ensure organizational alignment.* Supports alignment of the CDO’s time, attention, and focus with highest-impact initiatives, including development strategy, fundraising priorities, and external partnerships.* Drafts, refines, and supports development of strategic narratives, communications, and planning materials. Provides strong preparation to the CDO for presentations and external meetings.* Represents the CDO in selected meetings to advance priority initiatives and ensure alignment.* Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars and seminars; and building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.* Works somewhat independently to develop detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Assembles and leads a project team, assigns individual responsibilities, identifies appropriate resources needed, and develops schedules to ensure timely completion of projects.* Acts as a resource for a project team and provides analytical guidance. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team.* Performs other related work as needed.**Minimum Qualifications****Education:**Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.**Work Experience:**Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.**Certifications:****---****Preferred Qualifications****Education:*** Advanced degree.**Experience:*** Minimum five years of professional experience in advancement, campaign planning, strategic planning, project management, or related fields.* Development strategy, including moves management.* Data analysis and communicating complex topics to non-technical people.* Managing complex cross-team projects with multiple stakeholders.**Technical Skills or Knowledge:*** Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to Advancement, including Phoenix, the University's Donor Relationship Management System.* Proficient in a Microsoft Windows computer environment, especially with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.**Preferred Competencies*** Highly organized with strong project management discipline.* Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively. Explain complex ideas clearly and simply.* Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.* Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.* Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.* Self-motivated and take initiative.* Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.**Working Conditions*** This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.* Standard office environment.* Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.* Work evenings and weekends as needed.* This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.* This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization.**Application Documents*** Resume/CV (required)* Cover Letter (preferred)When applying, the document(s) **MUST** be uploaded via the **My Experience** page, in the section titled **Application Documents** of the application.**Job Family**Administration & Management**Role Impact**Individual Contributor**Scheduled** **Weekly Hours**37.5**Drug Test Required**No**Health Screen Required**No**Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required**No**Pay Rate Type**Salary **FLSA Status**Exempt **Pay Range**$89,250.00 - $105,000.00The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.**Benefits Eligible**YesThe University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.**Posting Statement**The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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